Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement therapy (BHRT) using the SottoPelle® method of hormone pellet therapy involves replacing hormones that diminish in production as we age back to their original levels to help us achieve emotional and physical wellness. Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement is available at both Allura locations in Fort Collins and Loveland.

Bio-identical means the hormones were derived from plants, then changed chemically to be indistinguishable from our own hormones. The hormones are compressed into pellets and are inserted about one-quarter to one inch beneath the surface of the skin. These pellets continuously release hormones into the blood system, which is different from pills, creams, patches, or injections that dispense in fluctuating levels. Pellets also respond to changes in blood flow in the body related to situations such as exercise, anxiety, or stress to increase hormone secretions into the blood system, mimicking what the body would do naturally.

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy pellets are for both men and women, and treat symptoms such as:

Hot flashes/night sweats/flushing

Fatigue

Decreased or no sex drive

Poor sleep

Difficulty concentrating or processing information

Depression

Anxiety

Forgetfulness

Muscle loss

Weight gain despite exercise

Skin or vaginal dryness

Pain with intercourse

Erection changes

Reduction in muscular or bone pain in patients with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic back pain, or other auto-immune diseases

Prolonged recovery after exercise

Why do we need hormones?

We need balanced hormones to live healthy lives. As we age, our hormone levels decline. With an imbalance of hormones come several symptoms. Women will experience hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, weight gain, and decrease in libido and memory. Men also experience a host of symptoms as they age and their hormones become imbalanced. This male version of menopause is called “andropause.” Men experience symptoms including chronic fatigue, energy loss, low sex drive, decrease in physical agility, memory loss, and weight gain. Replacing the hormones using the SottoPelle® method that Allura uses can help men and women return their hormones to healthy levels and improve their life.

How does bio-identical hormone replacement therapy work?

When ovaries or testicles function properly, hormones are released into the bloodstream in correct amounts. During menopause and andropause, the ovaries and testicles slow down their production of estrogen and testosterone until they reach a point where they are no longer able to keep up with the body’s demand. Using pellet replacements, the pellets are able to take over the job of the ovaries and testicles.

Once you decide Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement using subcutaneous pellets is right for you, Dr. de la Torre will determine your hormone levels through blood tests and then be able to determine the hormone replacement that is needed to bring your hormone levels in balance. When inserted under the skin, the pellets deliver a constant stream of hormones into your bloodstream twenty-four hours per day, seven days a week. No other bio-identical hormone delivery method can provide the consistent delivery of balanced hormones that are needed for a healthy life.

How are pellets inserted?

Bio-identical hormone replacement pellets are inserted through a very small incision into the right or left buttock. It’s a simple and relatively painless procedure and takes less than five minutes. No sutures are needed, as the incision is dressed with steri-strips. Women are instructed to avoid vigorous exercises for 3-5 days while men must avoid vigorous exercises for 5-7 days.

Our providers studied and trained with Dr. Gino Tutera, the physician who developed the SottoPelle® method of administering bio-identical hormone replacement therapy with pellets.

(Allura is not a SottoPelle® office. They have only been trained by Dr. Gino Tutera and SottoPelle® Dr. Tutera bears no responsibility for the management of Allura’s patients.)